Mervyn Mitton

'Another mystery solved - Watkins' !! I'd forgotten it's correct name - however, thankyou for taking time to 'sort' me out. Now, the Horniman is another matter ..... The rarest and most eclectic items you could hope to find - and, a wonderful collection of truncheons. It's amazing when you think it all came from tea ! (Hornimans was a famous tea empire)

Joe - I can only add something that you - and everyone else will know - the broad arrow is Board of Ordnance and the X shows it was sold out of service. Amazing how marks vary when you compare this with the 1888 pattern I showed on your earlier post on rare bayonets.

I don't quite understand why you say it doesn't go on the rifle ? All the fittings look to be present. The lower curved one is a sword-bayonet - known as a Yataghan. With the British, it was usually reserved for Sgt's. From this period weren't the Turks using a Mauser?

Brian - you posted back in Sept. 2008 , I picked it up 'browsing' and with a combined effort you have your answer. Who said GMIC isn't an amazing meeting of minds ! Helen, I'm going back 25 years , but if you walked through Burlington Arcade from Regent St. and turned left at the end, the museum faced you. But, looking at the date, you were probably a little girl - I hate getting old !!!

Thanks - Mike. That answers one question. Have taken photos of the plume holder - but, left camera in shop. Will post them tomorrow - however, there are 7 flames.

Helen - nice to have you back corresponding. Do you know where the Ethnographic Museum moved to - it would help Brian contact them ?

From the depth of the eye sockets I wouldn't be surprised that it had stones inset. Should this be so, then the head could easily have been silvered. Have you seen one in a museum ?

I'll check the back tomorrow.

As you say - two rare bayonets. The moulding of the lion, on the Bulgarian example looks very interesting - would be good to see a close-up ?

The flame is copper - to represent the flame - the body of the badge is brass. When I bought it in UK , I was told RA - now, I'm not sure. Peter's comment re RHA - I mentioned King's troop - but do RHA exist as a separate body nowdays ?

One of the worst 'bug' attacks I ever saw was on the ground floor of the Cairo Museum. Most people go straight to the Tutankhamon exhibits, but I was browsing the papyrus manuscripts - all inside sealed glass cases. I don't think there was one case that didn't have small insects having a 'go' at it. I was so incensed, I wrote to the President - when I was safely out of Egypt - didn't seem to do any good, no one ever answered. If any member goes there , please see if there is only dust in the cases now ???

1888 2nd. pattern British bayonet for the Lee-Metford rifle. This example was first issued in 1891 - but has later re-issue markings. Made by Wilkinson. Has an interesting suede frog, which I do'nt think is standard issue - more likely one of the irregular colonial units, who adopted it for their uniform.

Joe - now that you say so - yes, you're right. However, there was a leather scabbard and frog for the 2nd. pattern which must have looked very similar - I don't think it had the long neck below the loop. Do you have a big collection of bayonets - I have always thought them a good collecting field. Mervyn

Patiently waiting.... No pressure !!!!

Don't care what you say - I'm staying in Africa and fighting lions !!! If I do have to come to the US , I want Stogieman as a neighbour.....

Yes, I think you're right. We had an identical scabbard and frog on a dated 1903 2nd. pattern. This should bring it back-up to the top and others can comment - seems to be a bit more interest in bayonets at present.

Leigh - welcome back - again!! (twice in two weeks, are you using 'up' sick leave? ) Pity about the 1907, you don't see many now - many people bring them in , but, in reality they are the Japanese bayonet from the same period which also has a down turned quillion. Your comment about British sawbacks - yes, we had several patterns - but were any still being used by 1914 ?

I should have added that it is of rabbit skin.

BUSBY for the Royal Artillery Band. Queen's Crown and still in use. I am told they are the only RA unit still wearing it - although King's Troop certainly does ??

Joe - look on the edge or, spine. Usually it has the Imperial Crown and the two numerals for date of manufacture ?